Studies conducted by major universities demonstrate that volunteering boosts self-esteem and energy and gives Americans a sense of mastery over their lives, particularly in later midlife.
The benefits of volunteering affect not only those currently working as volunteers but also people who have ever volunteered, especially those in formal volunteering capacities, such as serving on boards of directors and for service and religious groups. Americans reportedly volunteer more than people in any other country.
Study findings include:
· In focus groups, employees in midlife, ages 30 to 60, describe themselves as spending about 8 percent of their time volunteering and 13 percent in leisure. Ideally, they say they would like to spend 14 percent of their time volunteering and 24 percent in leisure.
· People who volunteer early in life are much more likely to volunteer later in life, when the benefits are particularly acute.
· Volunteerism is particularly beneficial to men, urbanites, those with less income, in poor health and retirees who don't work.
· About one-third of both men and women participate in community service work, though men tend to put in more hours on average. For those between 35 and 54 years of age, for example, men spend almost 6 hours weekly compared with 4.5 hours for women.
What you can look forward to as an HSO volunteer:
There are many levels of volunteer opportunities here at the Humane Society of the Ochocos, depending on your particular areas of interest. We have volunteers who dedicate several hours a month serving on our Board of Directors. We are lucky to have a number of hands-on volunteers who dedicate a certain number of hours per week working at the animal shelter in direct contact with the many homeless pets who pass through our facility.
Volunteers can also sign up to help out with special events such as taking pets outside the shelter for on-site adoptions, helping orchestrate special events, fundraisers, and educational outreach. We also have folks who volunteer expertise working with computers, writing articles for our soon-to-be-published newsletter as well as many other areas of interest.
To begin reaping the benefits of volunteering signup at the Humane Society of the Ochocos or fill out our online volunteer form then mail the form or drop it off in person. You'll be glad you did.